Citizenship

             But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, (Philippians 3:20)

 

            Yesterday was Flag Day. I bought a little flag to display but couldn’t figure out a way to display it except for my own enjoyment. I’ve been known to stand and put my hand over my heart when I hear the Star-Spangled Banner in the privacy of my own home with no one else present. I would describe myself as patriotic.

            At the same time, I struggle with the idea of patriotism in connection with a mere country. I struggle with the extent to which I should be happy or proud to declare myself “an American,” especially compared to my claims to be happy or proud to declare myself “a Christian.” Some people try to claim that the two should be the same thing and in a sense, they are right. There are people to claim that if we don’t act quickly and decisively, Christianity will disappear in America. Scripturally, God always maintains a remnant.

            Sometmes, the idea of patriotism worries me. I see hear people claim political candidates to be “God’s man” or “God’s woman” and describe every opponent as straight from hell. And those opposed to the candidate reject Christianity because of the candidate. I wonder what they think it means to be an American – especially when they suggest violating the Constitution in pursuing political power. Some even seem to see patriotism as a means of forcing their religion or ideas on others.

            But as one considers the idea of patriotism:  the feeling of pride, devotion, and attachment to a homeland, as well as a feeling of attachment to other patriotic citizens, it clearly fits with what Scripture teaches us about the kingdom. Jesus taught us to pray “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Today’s passage tells us that our citizenship is in Heaven. If that’s the case, then we should feel proud of Heaven and it’s King, be devoted to Heaven and its King, and be attached to Heaven, its King, and to other citizens of Heaven – above any other connection. Where there is conflict, Heaven comes first.

            I’m not suggesting that American Christians must hate America – only to hate it compared to how one feels about Heaven. And just as there are rules to follow in how we express our patriotism to honor our nation, we should be careful that our Heavenly patriotism honors Heaven and its King. I’m not sure what that means, but we would all consider it well.